Michael Bolton in conversation with Colin McEnroe at JCC

Colin McEnroe, host of The Colin McEnroe Show on Connecticut Public Radio, will sit down with singer/songwriter Michael Bolton for a candid discussion about his recently published memoir, his life and his music on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at the Jewish Community Center in Woodbridge.

The event is part of the JCC’s Perspectives speakers series at 7:30 p.m. that night.

Bolton is known throughout the world for his soulful voice and Grammy Award-winning, chart-topping music. He is also known locally as a hometown hero who made it big from his humble beginnings in New Haven.

In his first memoir, The Soul of it All (Center Street/Hachette Book Group), Bolton offers a backstage pass into the fascinating life journey from anonymity to a world-renowned music career.

Bolton began a career in music writing songs as early as age 9. At 15, he found himself hitchhiking with his band cross-country along Route 66, where he sought out odd jobs, including becoming a babysitter for a young Paula Abdul. He eventually landed a label deal with Epic Records, however, it would be 18 long years before he would score his first definitive hit and breakthrough as a superstar.

Die-hard Michael Bolton fans will hear for the first time details of a rewarding yet often challenging journey. From the emotional trauma of his parent’s divorce to his early days as an artist indulging in the excesses of the 60s and 70s and through a period where he struggled to make ends meet by recording jingles to support his wife and three daughters. His focus and talent would ultimately deliver him into the company of world leaders and into the arms of some of the loveliest Hollywood stars. All the while, he’s never forgotten to give back and has leveraged his celebrity to help raise millions for charitable causes, including his own foundation protecting women and children at risk.

Perspectives is the JCC’s thought-provoking speaker series targeted at information seekers and life-long learners, featuring significant presenters on contemporary topics. This year’s series That’s Entertainment! focuses on the fascinating stories behind the work of performing arts, including musical theater and comedy.

“The truth is very few people know me as well as they know my music, and even fewer know just how much of a crazy, arduous and rewarding adventure my life has been,” Michael Bolton writes in “The Soul of it All.”